Basic information
Outline of the system
The import licensing procedure is needed to guarantee public safety in Switzerland in the area of explosive materials and pyrotechnic devices for civilian use. The competent authority for issuing authorizations is the Central Office for Explosive Materials, under the Federal Office of Police (fedpol) (https://www.fedpol.admin.ch/fedpol/fr/home/sicherheit/sprengstoff_pyrote...).
Product coverage
Articles 2 to 7 of the Ordinance on explosive substances of 27 November 2000 (RS 941.411, https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified compilation/20002454/index.html) define the explosives and pyrotechnic devices that are subject to import authorization. These goods are classified under the following Swiss customs tariff numbers (HS 2017)(Coverage is not defined in terms of customs tariff numbers in the relevant legal texts. The list of customs tariff numbers is therefore not exhaustive). : See Products.
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
No restrictions on quantity or value. The import licensing procedure is needed to guarantee public safety in Switzerland in the area in question.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Not applicable (no quantitative restrictions).
The system applies to products originating from which country?
All countries.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
The Federal Law on Explosive Substances of 25 March 1977 (RS 941.41, https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified compilation/19770064/index.html) and the Ordinance on explosive substances of 27 November 2000 (RS 941.411, https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified compilation/20002454/index.html) govern the importation of explosives and pyrotechnic devices. The above statutory provisions govern the import licensing procedure.
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
The Government cannot repeal these provisions. However, Article 24(3) of the Ordinance provides that the Federal Department of Justice and Police may exempt certain pyrotechnic devices from the requirement of authorization, provided that these devices are an integral part of articles which themselves are subject to a recognized licensing procedure (e.g. pyrotechnic propellant charges as used in air bag units of cars).
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
The Government cannot repeal these provisions. However, Article 24(3) of the Ordinance provides that the Federal Department of Justice and Police may exempt certain pyrotechnic devices from the requirement of authorization, provided that these devices are an integral part of articles which themselves are subject to a recognized licensing procedure (e.g. pyrotechnic propellant charges as used in air bag units of cars).
Eligibility of applicants
Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
Any person, firm or institution is eligible to apply for a licence.
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
Address
Telephone
Fax
E-mail address
Website
Contact officer
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
Only the usual information is required for the applications: applicant's name and address; type and quantity of the product to be imported and chemical composition; manufacturer's or importer's name; warehouse of destination in Switzerland.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
The procedure for the licensing of articles which are subject to prior approval procedures may take up to six months.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
No.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
By way of exception, a licence may be granted by telephone and without delay.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
Licences for the importation of standard explosives and pyrotechnic devices are granted within a few days.
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
Applications for import licences are dealt with by a single administrative body: Central Office for Explosive Materials, under the Federal Office of Police (fedpol) (https://www.fedpol.admin.ch/fedpol/fr/home/sicherheit/sprengstoff_pyrote...).
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
Applications for import licences are dealt with by a single administrative body: Central Office for Explosive Materials, under the Federal Office of Police (fedpol) (https://www.fedpol.admin.ch/fedpol/fr/home/sicherheit/sprengstoff_pyrote...).
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
No.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
Yes.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
Depending on the time required to process the application, the licensing fees may range from CHF 50 to CHF 1,000.
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
No.
Amount or rate?
Is it refundable?
What is the period of retention?
What is the purpose of this requirement?
Refusal of an application
Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?
There are no reasons to refuse a licence application other than failure to meet the specific criteria.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, who has a right to appeal the decision to the Federal Administrative Court and, at second instance, to the Federal Supreme Court.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, who has a right to appeal the decision to the Federal Administrative Court and, at second instance, to the Federal Supreme Court.
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
The reasons for any refusal are communicated to the applicant, who has a right to appeal the decision to the Federal Administrative Court and, at second instance, to the Federal Supreme Court.
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
No.
What documents are required upon actual importation?
Import licence.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
No.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
Import authorization is valid for three months. It is possible to obtain two extensions of three months each.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
No.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
No.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
There are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force.
Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?
There are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force.
Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?
There are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force.
What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?
There are no restrictions on foreign exchange in force.